Have you been wondering if love is still possible after divorce — and how to avoid repeating the same patterns? In this episode, Karen sits down with Bela Gandhi, renowned dating and relationship expert and founder of the Smart Dating Academy, to talk about how to approach dating after divorce with intention, self-awareness, and real strategy.

Bela shares why most people's "people pickers" are broken — and why that's not your fault. She breaks down the three root causes (evolution, family of origin, and cultural messaging), explains why butterflies and grand gestures are actually red flags in disguise, and walks us through the proven system that has produced zero divorces among Smart Dating Academy clients in 15 years.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Why readiness to date is about the work you've done, not the time that's passed
• The dating funnel, red flags, and why 15 dates before exclusivity is the rule
• When and how to introduce a new partner to your children
• The brain chemistry of falling in love — and why pacing protects you
• What to expect working with the Smart Dating Academy

Connect with Bella Gandhi:

• Podcast: Smart Dating Academy Podcast
• Website: smartdatingacademy.com
• Instagram: @SmartDatingAcademy

📚 If you're enjoying the podcast, be sure to grab Karen's new book: The Good Divorce: How to End Your Marriage Without Ending Your Family

What if you could actually insure your child support and alimony? In this episode, Karen sits down with Ron Platt, co-founder of the National Association for Single and Divorced Families (NASDF), to introduce a first-of-its-kind organization built to support people at every stage of divorce — before, during, and long after the paperwork is signed. Ron shares the origin story of NASDF's groundbreaking insurance product, which is designed to guarantee child support and alimony payments in the event of death, disability, or involuntary unemployment — a concept 30 years in the making that his late father first dreamed up.

But before we get to the business, Ron gets personal. As a child of divorce himself, he shares a surprisingly warm story of immigrant parents whose relationship actually improved after their marriage ended — a real-life example of "the good divorce." Ron also opens up about his own painful 14-year relationship, his journey through grief and therapy, and how he ultimately did the work to break old patterns and find unconditional love. His story is a reminder that divorce, as hard as it is, can be the catalyst for profound personal growth.

Beyond insurance, Ron paints an ambitious vision for NASDF as the "Costco of associations" — a growing membership community that aims to negotiate discounts on everything from diapers and daycare to car purchases and legal fees for divorced and single-parent families. He also touches on their advocacy work in foster care reform and their commitment to serving all families — men and women, same-sex couples, and those "married by mortgage." Find NASDF at nasdf.org and, as Ron puts it: there is light at the end of the tunnel, but you gotta do the work.

📚 If you're enjoying the podcast, be sure to grab Karen's new book: The Good Divorce: How to End Your Marriage Without Ending Your Family

Living across two homes doesn't have to feel like navigating a minefield — but it does take intention, communication, and a willingness to loosen your grip a little. In this episode of The Good Divorce Show, Karen McNenny gets practical about the day-to-day logistics of co-parenting, sharing real strategies that make life smoother for both parents and kids.

Karen introduces the "boomerang 🪃 folder" — a simple but powerful tool for keeping both co-parents in the loop on everything from permission slips to test grades — and explains why letting both parents celebrate (and address) school milestones together matters more than you might think.

She also tackles the gear question: how to handle belongings moving between homes without turning your kids into little luggage carriers.

From Sunday transition timing to flexible residential schedules, Karen makes the case that the best co-parenting plans aren't rigid — they're rooted in relationship. When Uncle Bob and Aunt Betty come to town, or a work conference throws the calendar off, a foundation of mutual respect means you can actually problem-solve instead of power-struggle.

At the heart of this episode is Karen's core philosophy: divorce is a family event first and a legal event second. Stabilize the family, protect the co-parent relationship, and the logistics — schedules, gear, transitions, and all — become so much more manageable.

📚 If you're enjoying the podcast, be sure to grab Karen's new book: The Good Divorce: How to End Your Marriage Without Ending Your Family